Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat was in Marinduque recently for a whirlwind tour. She describes her experience on her FB page.
Berna frees a butterfly as she makes a wish that more people will get to visit Marinduque
Ever wonder what lies at the heart of the Philippines?
Marinduque, the (anatomical) heart-shaped island province in the MIMAROPA
region, is also the geographic center of the archipelago. The Luzon Datum of
1911 can be found at the summit of Mataas na Bundok, and it serves as the reference
point for all survey and mapping activities in the country. The view from up
here is spectacular and definitely worth the almost 500 steps it took to reach
the deck.
The Tourism Sec with Provincial Administrator Mike Velasco and House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco at the geographical center of the Philippines atop Mataas na Bundok
At Casa de Emilio, an old colonial house, I had a taste of
the cuisine of the Marinduqueno. Their version of kari-kari is quite unique. If
I wasn’t allergic to seafood, I would have definitely loved the ulang na kagang, a
seafood dish made from a native variety of crab called kagang. But their lechon
was one of the best I have ever tasted!!! Lechoneros all over the country say
that the native black pig from Marinduque are the best pig to roast!
For a small province, there’s a whirlwind of activities to do. I went island hopping to Maniwaya Island, dipped my toes in the healing sulfuric springs of the Malbog Sulfuric resort, learned about Moriones history at the National Museum, and visited the fortress-like Boac Cathedral, built in 1792 and now declared an Important Cultural Property. I also visited the Marl Insect and Butterfly farm, where I learned that over 75 percent of the nation’s butterfly breeders are found in Marinduque, which is a major exporter to the world, hence the province’s other moniker as the “Butterfly Capital of the Philippines.” The legend goes that if you free a butterfly it will grant you a wish. Guess who kept trying to catch and release butterflies? 😆
Speaker Velasco with Bishop Marcelino Maralit Jr. guide Berna inside the historic Boac Cathedral
One of my wishes is that more people will get to visit
Marinduque and experience the warm welcome I felt the moment I arrived. Guests
are literally crowned in the putong or tubong ceremony and are blessed with a
long life. It’s no wonder I left my heart in the “heart of the Philippine
islands.”
Special thanks to Speaker Lord Allan Velasco @speaker_lord_velasco and Gov Presbitero Velasco Jr.
- Berna Romulo-Puyat
All photos courtesy of Berna Romulo-Puyat
